Top 10 best golf courses in the Greater Phoenix Area

Some of the best golf courses in the country are found in the Greater Phoenix area. Not only do they stand out in terms of aesthetics and their seamless layout that blends with the majesty of the Sonoran Desert but they have also seen numerous prestigious tournaments in the past – and continue to do so. These aspects have given rise to an influx of golf enthusiasts wanting to live near these beautiful pockets of green. In turn, various master-planned communities have sprouted near these golf courses to cater to the demand.

So, whether you are searching the market for homes that have one of Arizona’s championship golf courses right outside your doorstep or simply out for the pleasure of enjoying a good round or two of golf, this article will introduce you to the top 10 golf courses in the region. Plus, you’ll also learn about the exclusive communities surrounding them and the elegant real estate opportunities they present.

WHY PHOENIX, AZ IS A GOLFER’S PARADISE

In the heart of the Southwest, where affluence and modern chic combine with the beauty of the desert landscape, you’ll find the vibrant city of Phoenix. This urban center in the Sonoran Desert is an oasis of luxury living and, most importantly, a perennial golfer’s paradise.

Roughly 200 golf courses are located within the Greater Phoenix Area, with varying course types and catering to a variety of skill levels, budgets, and amenities offered. Some feature breathtaking geological formations and stunning desert scenery as a backdrop; others are championship courses where golf legends like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have played; and still others were designed by some of the leading golf architects in the country like Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie to the sport, there’s a golf course in this region that will fit your requirements.

THE BEST GOLF COURSES IN THE GREATER PHOENIX AREA

The landscape of the Greater Phoenix Area is dotted with golf clubs and courses, from the award-winning Lookout Mountain Golf Club in the North Phoenix mountains to the historic San Marcos Golf Course in Chandler to the family-friendly Royal Palms Golf Course in Mesa. However, the best golf courses in the Greater Phoenix Area stand out among the rest, not only for their meticulous designs but also for easy access from major points within the region.

Moreover, a good number of these top golf courses are surrounded by skillfully designed communities that offer a lifestyle that revolves around the love for the game. Living here are like-minded people who continue to keep active by indulging in the sport while strengthening community ties and fostering camaraderie.

Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the greens, stepping out onto your private patio overlooking the well-maintained fairways, and having access to world-class golf facilities the moment you open your door – this is the kind of life one could expect when living in a community alongside these beautiful Greater Phoenix golf courses.

Below are the best golf courses in the Greater Phoenix Area:

1. TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course
   Location: Scottsdale

   Home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is one of the most renowned golf courses in the Greater Phoenix Area. It features the famous par-3 16th hole, known as the “Coliseum,” which is surrounded by stadium seating that allows spectators to see the action clearly. The course offers a challenging layout, exceptional practice facilities, a double-ended driving range, and a short game area, making it a favorite among professional and amateur golfers alike.

2. Talking Stick Golf Club – O’odham Course
   Location: Scottsdale

   The O’odham Course at Talking Stick Golf Club is a championship layout designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. It showcases wide fairways, minimal bunkering, and subtle elevation changes, offering a links-style experience in the heart of the desert. The course features breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for a round of golf. The O’odham Course appeals to players of all skill levels, thanks to its pristine conditions and strategic design.

3. Raven Golf Club Phoenix
   Location: Phoenix

   Raven Golf Club Phoenix is a Gary Panks-designed championship course known for its lush landscaping and impeccable playing conditions. It’s been recognized in Arizona Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the top golf courses in the area. The course winds through an oasis of palm trees, lakes, and native vegetation, creating a serene and picturesque setting. It features generous fairways, challenging bunkers, and subtle elevation changes that require strategic shot-making.

4. The Boulders Golf Club – South Course
   Location: Carefree

   The South Course at The Boulders Golf Club, designed by Jay Morrish, is a public course set amid the stunning desert setting of Carefree, Arizona. The course is known for its dramatic rock formations, towering saguaros, and panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert. It offers a unique desert golf experience with tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens. The South Course provides a true test of skill while immersing players in the natural beauty of the Sonoran.

5. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Saguaro Course
   Location: Fort McDowell

   The Saguaro Course of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a Coore-Crenshaw design that beautifully blends grassy greens with the vivid colors and unique vegetation of the Sonoran Desert. Hurried walks in between tees turn into engaging strolls due to the lovely, well-kept greens along the fairways that are wonderful sights to behold. The course was made with very few alterations to the already stunning landscape, so whatever elevations or bumps one finds along the way are simply part of the natural flow of the desert terrain.

6. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
   Location: Maricopa, in the Ak-Chin Indian Reservation

   Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is a Troon-managed facility designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley. The course offers a true test of skill to those looking for a challenge along with stunning views and tranquil surroundings. Its layout provides a variety of challenges, including risk-reward opportunities and natural hazards, making this golf course a favorite among players seeking an authentic desert golf experience.

7. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
   Location: Fountain Hils

   Designed by Keith Foster, the SunRidge Canyon Golf Club is a course nestled within the McDowell Mountains in Fountain Hills, just a few miles east of Scottsdale. The course features dramatic elevation changes, rugged desert terrain, and stunning canyon views. It offers a challenging layout that demands precision and shot-making skills. Golfers will have to be strategic with the “Wicked Six,” which requires a tee shot over a deep canyon to a green nestled against the mountainside, providing a memorable and exhilarating experience for golfers.

8. Troon North Golf Club – Pinnacle Course
   Location: Scottsdale

   The Pinnacle Course at Troon North Golf Club, conceived by Tom Weiskopf, consistently ranks among the nation’s elite courses. Enveloped by the iconic Pinnacle Peak, this course is a visual spectacle. Residents of the adjacent luxury homes in Troon North have the benefit of a golfer’s haven, along with the prestige of dwelling in one of Phoenix’s most coveted communities.

9. Grayhawk Golf Club – Talon Course
   Location: North Scottsdale

   Designed by Tom Fazio, the Talon Course at Grayhawk Golf Club is one of two championship courses located in the Grayhawk community. The course design incorporates the natural terrain of the Sonoran Desert, with fairways that wind through the pristine desert landscape, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

   For those looking for a home in a golfing neighborhood, the Grayhawk community offers a range of real estate options, from luxury homes and villas to custom estates, providing residents with a top-tier living experience in Scottsdale.

10. Arizona Grand Golf Course
    Location: Phoenix

    Recognized as a four-star “Best Places to Play” course, as well as one of the Top 50 “Great Service” Facilities by Golf Digest, the Arizona Grand Golf Course in Phoenix, AZ offers comprehensive practice facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, and chipping areas. These facilities provide golfers with ample opportunities to sharpen their skills and improve their game before heading out onto the course.

    The course is part of the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa. This means that guests of the resort and residents of the neighboring community have access, not only to the golf course but also to a wide range of resort amenities, including luxurious accommodations and award-winning dining options.

What can you find in golf communities in the Greater Phoenix area

Apart from the stunning golf courses scattered throughout the Greater Phoenix Area, upscale neighborhoods around them such as Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Desert Mountain boast high-end properties surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Investing in luxury real estate within the top golfing communities in Phoenix offers a plethora of features and amenities for buyers seeking a posh lifestyle. Here are some key features and amenities found in these communities that appeal most to home buyers.

1. CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES

   Of course, the default reason behind the existence of these master-planned golf communities is the presence of championship-level golf courses. Meticulously designed by some of the most revered golf architects in modern times, these courses offer challenging layouts and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

   Having world-class golfing facilities right at your doorstep is a major draw for golf enthusiasts and adds significant value to luxury real estate investments.

2. EXCLUSIVE CLUBHOUSES AND AMENITIES

   Luxury golf communities in Phoenix often boast exclusive clubhouses that serve as social hubs for residents. These clubhouses feature upscale amenities such as fine dining restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness centers, resort-style pools, and spa facilities.

   Investing in real estate within these communities grants residents access to these premium amenities, fostering a sense of community and providing unparalleled convenience, healthy living, and leisure opportunities.

3. CUSTOM HOME DESIGNS AND ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

   Many of Phoenix’s golf communities have available homesites that allow for the building of one’s home from the ground up, giving buyers the freedom to customize their luxury dream home in any style they choose.

   There are also move-in ready homes in a variety of architectural styles to suit every preference. From contemporary masterpieces with sleek lines and modern amenities to Mediterranean-inspired estates with timeless elegance, these homes are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. Whether you want to fully customize or choose from the existing inventory, investing in homes in these communities rewards you with an incomparable lifestyle that allows you to enjoy the best of modern conveniences in a desert setting.

4. SCENIC VIEWS AND NATURAL SURROUNDINGS

   Many golf communities in Phoenix are nestled amid the stunning desert landscape, offering panoramic views of rugged mountains, lush fairways, and vibrant sunsets.

   The Sonoran Desert has so much to offer in terms of spectacular scenery and a unique climate. Living here, you get to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the desert environment while still being near urban amenities. The picturesque surroundings add value to the property and enhance the overall living experience.

5. PRIVACY AND SECURITY

   Luxury golf communities in Phoenix typically offer gated entrances and round-the-clock security, providing residents with peace of mind and privacy. Investing in real estate within these secure communities ensures a safe and exclusive environment for homeowners and their families to enjoy.

THE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO PHOENIX, AZ

Phoenix, Arizona, stands as a shining gem in the Southwest with its unparalleled combination of amazing real estate options, world-class golf courses, and a myriad of benefits.

Relocating to the Valley of the Sun is guaranteed to become an exciting journey for you. Here’s what to expect:

1. YEAR-ROUND SUNSHINE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

   Phoenix is synonymous with sunshine, boasting approximately 300 days of clear skies every year. The mild winters and hot summers make it an ideal destination for those who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. Apart from playing golf, residents may also explore hiking and biking trails in the nearby mountains, unwind in luxurious spas, or simply sunbathe in the warmth of the Arizona sun.

2. EXCITING DINING SCENE AND VIBRANT LOCAL CULTURE

   Phoenix is a hotspot of various flavors and aromas that make dining out an adventure. From upscale restaurants to vibrant street food venues, the city’s culinary landscape caters to all tastes. Additionally, Phoenix’s vibrant arts and culture scene, with its many art galleries, theaters, and museums, provides a rich tapestry of experiences for those seeking cultural immersion.

3. PROXIMITY TO NATURE AND ADVENTURE

   Beyond the city limits, Phoenix is surrounded by natural wonders waiting to be explored. The Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rock formations, and the rest of the Sonoran Desert offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Living here, soaking in the majesty of the Great Outdoors only requires you to step outside.

4. THRIVING ECONOMY AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

   Phoenix has evolved into a thriving economic hub, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs seeking growth and innovation. The city’s diverse economy, coupled with a pro-business environment, creates ample career opportunities across various industries, making it an ideal destination for those looking to advance their professional endeavors.

TAKE TO THE FAIRWAYS OF THE GREATER PHOENIX AREA – AND MORE

The region is blessed with world-class golf courses and some of the loveliest homes for sale in the Grand Canyon State! You can have both when you decide to purchase property in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Paradise Valley, or other cities and towns of the Greater Phoenix Area. For that, you will need the services of true-blue Arizona real estate professionals who know the area by heart – the Vikki and Carol Royse Luxury Division. The team will always be on hand to help you navigate the home-buying process, making sure you get the Arizona dream home that you deserve minus the stress. Just call 480.776.5231 or leave a message here to get in touch.